Known Facts
In the expansive world of One Piece, the Void Century remains the most significant historical gap, spanning a 100-year period between 800 and 900 years before the current storyline. During this time, the world underwent a massive transformation that remains largely unknown to the general public. What we do know is that this century ended with the establishment of the World Government by an alliance of twenty kingdoms. To ensure their version of history remained the only one, the government strictly prohibited the study of Poneglyphs—indestructible stone tablets that contain the true history. This prohibition was so severe that it led to the total destruction of Ohara, a land of scholars dedicated to uncovering what happened Void Century One Piece. These facts form the basis of every major Void Century theory within the community.
Ancient Kingdom Theory
A central pillar of the mystery is the existence of a highly advanced Ancient Kingdom. According to the research of Professor Clover, this kingdom was once a vast and prosperous civilization with technology far beyond even the current standards of the One Piece world. It is theorized that this kingdom held ideals that were seen as a threat to the twenty allied nations. The "Great War" that took place during the Void Century was likely a conflict between this advanced civilization and the alliance that would eventually become the World Government. The destruction of this kingdom was so absolute that not even its name is allowed to be spoken, as doing so is considered a capital offense by the Five Elders.
Joy Boy's Role
Joy Boy is perhaps the most important figure from the Void Century. He was a man from the surface who made a promise to the citizens of Fish-Man Island to raise the massive ship, Noah, with the help of the Ancient Weapon Poseidon. However, for reasons still shrouded in mystery, Joy Boy was unable to fulfill this promise, leading him to leave an apology on a Poneglyph. The return of Joy Boy has been a prophecy for centuries, and it is now clear that the title is linked to the awakening of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. Joy Boy was the original "Warrior of Liberation," and his legacy is what Gol D. Roger discovered on Laugh Tale, prompting the legendary Pirate King to laugh and wish he had lived in the same era.
World Government Cover-Up
The World Government’s primary objective since its inception has been the total erasure of the Void Century. They have labeled the scholars of Ohara as "demons" and used the Buster Call to wipe out any trace of their research. This systematic cover-up is not just about hiding a war; it is about hiding the "True History" that could potentially destabilize their global authority. The existence of Imu, a secret sovereign who sits upon the Empty Throne, suggests that the leadership from the Void Century may still be in power today. By controlling the narrative and banning the study of the Poneglyphs, the World Government maintains a fragile peace built on a foundation of forgotten blood and suppressed technology.
Vegapunk's Reveal
Recent developments in the Egghead Arc have brought the world closer to the truth than ever before. Dr. Vegapunk, the world's most brilliant scientist, used a global broadcast to reveal shocking details about the world's past. He confirmed that the world was once a place of advanced technology and that a massive war took place during the Void Century. Most significantly, Vegapunk revealed that the sea level rose by 20 meters during that century—a catastrophic event caused by the use of Ancient Weapons. This revelation explains why the world of One Piece is composed of scattered islands and suggests that the world today is merely the "sinking" remnants of a much larger civilization. This scientific perspective has added a new layer to every existing Void Century theory.
What We Still Don't Know
Despite these reveals, many questions remain. We still do not know the name of the Ancient Kingdom or the specific nature of the "sin" Joy Boy committed. The identity of Imu and their connection to the original twenty kings remains a mystery. Furthermore, the exact reason why the World Government is so terrified of the truth being revealed—beyond simple loss of power—has yet to be fully explained. As Luffy and his crew head toward the final island, the pieces of the puzzle are coming together, but the full picture of what happened Void Century One Piece will likely only be revealed at Laugh Tale.
FAQ
What is the Void Century?
The Void Century is a 100-year gap in history (800-900 years ago) that the World Government has strictly forbidden anyone from researching.
Who was Joy Boy?
Joy Boy was a legendary figure from the Void Century who left behind the treasure known as the One Piece on the island of Laugh Tale.
Why did the sea levels rise?
According to Dr. Vegapunk, the use of Ancient Weapons during the Great War caused the sea levels to rise by 20 meters, flooding the world.
What are the Ancient Weapons?
The Ancient Weapons—Pluton, Poseidon, and Uranus—are world-destroying powers that originated during the Void Century.
